A pilot scheme allowing drug users to ensure safe disposal of used needles has been launched in Warwickshire.

The scheme, which will initially run in Rugby for three months, could be rolled out to every police custody site in the county.

Warwickshire Police have teamed up with South Warwickshire Primary Care Trust and drug referral service Addaction to run the project, which aims to improve needle hygiene among drug users.

Insp Robin Clifton, from Rugby police, said that from now, any person brought into custody at Rugby police station will be searched.

Any dirty needles found will be disposed of and users will be issued with sealed packs of clean needles on release.

Insp Clifton said he expected people from all walks of life to use the service. He said: "Drugs know no boundaries. Users can be anyone from a 14-year-old still at school to a highly respected professional.

"Very often these people are living with families and partners and parents all who have no idea of the drug misuse and all of whom can be at risk from it.

"It really is an issue that affects the whole community and that's why we've decided to work in partner-ship with South Warwick-shire Primary Care Trust and Addaction."

Insp Clifton said the scheme would also increase access to drug treatment services, and reduce the number of dirty needles discarded on the streets and in parks and alleyways.